Genesis 3:9

KJV

¶ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where [art] thou?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} God {H430} called {H7121} unto Adam {H120}, and said {H559} unto him, Where art thou {H335}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai, God, called to the man, “Where are you?”

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah God called unto the man, and said unto him, Where art thou?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 3:9 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, capturing the LORD God's direct, poignant call to Adam in the immediate aftermath of humanity's first sin. This verse reveals God's divine initiative, not as a search for information, but as a profound summons to accountability, breaking the silence of human shame and fear and setting the stage for both judgment and the unfolding plan of redemption.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated directly after the momentous act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve consumed the forbidden fruit, as detailed in [Genesis 3:6](/genesis/3-6 "The account of Adam and Eve's disobedience in Genesis 3:6"). Their eyes were opened, bringing a newfound awareness of their nakedness and shame, prompting them to fashion coverings of fig leaves. Overwhelmed by guilt and fear, they sought to conceal themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees, as described in [Genesis 3:8](/genesis/3-8 "Adam and Eve hiding from God in Genesis 3:8"). God's question, "Where art thou?", therefore, is not posed to an innocent, unblemished humanity, but to a hiding, fearful, and estranged creation, initiating the crucial dialogue that follows their transgression.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The simple question, "Where [art] thou?" (Hebrew: *'Ayekah*), reverberates with profound theological significance, transcending a mere geographical inquiry. In the cool of the day, as the LORD God walked through the garden, His voice pierced the silence that followed humanity's fall. This was not a God ignorant of Adam's whereabouts, for the Scriptures consistently portray God as [omniscient and omnipresent](/psalm/139-7 "Read about God's omnipresence in Psalm 139:7-10"). Rather, it was a rhetorical question, designed to compel Adam to confront his own actions and acknowledge his spiritual and moral state. The question served as a divine spotlight, illuminating the internal chaos that sin had wrought—shame, fear, and a desperate desire to hide from the very source of life and fellowship.

Adam's physical hiding among the trees was a visible manifestation of his spiritual estrangement. Sin had created a chasm, breaking the intimate communion that had previously existed between Creator and creature. Yet, it is God who takes the initiative to bridge this gap, demonstrating a relentless, pursuing love even in the face of rebellion. This divine pursuit is a foundational theme of biblical theology, echoing throughout salvation history. God's call to Adam was an invitation, albeit a challenging one, to step out of hiding and into a space of accountability. It was the first step in a process that would lead to judgment, but also to the first glimmer of redemptive hope, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of God's covenant faithfulness. The question, therefore, is not merely "Where are you physically?" but "Where are you in relation to Me? Where is your heart, your trust, your obedience?" It forces Adam to confront the brokenness of his fellowship, a brokenness that [Isaiah later describes as a separation caused by sin](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 describes how sin separates us from God").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Initiative and Pursuit:** Even after humanity's rebellion, God takes the first step to seek out the sinner, demonstrating His persistent love and desire for relationship.
* **Consequences of Sin:** Sin immediately leads to shame, fear, guilt, and a desire to hide from God, illustrating the brokenness of fellowship.
* **God's Omniscience and Omnipresence:** The question "Where art thou?" underscores God's perfect knowledge and presence, revealing His intent to prompt confession, not to gain information.
* **Call to Accountability:** God's question serves as an invitation for humanity to confront its actions, take responsibility, and acknowledge its spiritual state before a holy God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 3:9 resonates deeply with the human experience today. When we fall into sin, our natural inclination often mirrors Adam's—to hide from God, from others, and even from ourselves, driven by shame and fear. Yet, this verse offers profound comfort: God always takes the initiative to seek us out. His persistent call, whether through our conscience, His Word, or life's circumstances, is not to condemn, but to draw us out of hiding and into a place of honest confession and potential restoration.

### FAQ
**Was God truly unaware of Adam's location when He asked, "Where art thou?"**

Answer: No, God is omniscient and omnipresent. His question was rhetorical, designed to prompt Adam to acknowledge his sin and confront his spiritual state, not to gain information.

**Why did God call to Adam specifically, and not Eve, since Eve ate first?**

Answer: The biblical narrative typically presents Adam as the head of the human race and the covenant representative. God's primary address to Adam signifies his ultimate responsibility for the family's obedience and the consequences of their shared sin.

**What does Adam's hiding signify?**

Answer: Adam's physical hiding in the garden symbolizes the spiritual estrangement, shame, and fear that sin introduces, leading to a broken relationship and a desire to avoid God's presence.

**How does this verse apply to modern believers?**

Answer: It reminds us that God consistently pursues us even when we stray. Our natural impulse to hide from sin's consequences is met by God's persistent call to confession and restoration, echoing His unchanging character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 3:9 profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD God sought out Adam in the garden, so too does Christ embody the divine initiative to seek and save those who are lost and hiding in their sin. Jesus explicitly states His mission to [seek and to save that which was lost](/luke/19-10 "Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost in Luke 19:10"), echoing God's first inquiry in the garden. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ addresses the very shame and fear that drove Adam to hide, providing the ultimate covering for sin and restoring the broken fellowship between God and humanity. He is the Good Shepherd who [lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life in John 10:11"), actively pursuing His flock. This verse thus reveals the eternal heart of God, a heart fully expressed in the person and work of Jesus, who came to bring us out of hiding and into the light of His grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.